ABOUT:
Denny Gable (1950-2000) is remembered as a significant figure in bodybuilding, known not just for his physique but also for his innovative training methods and time spent as Arnold Schwarzenegger’s training partner. A standout bodybuilder in the 1970s, Gable’s story highlights some intriguing contrasts between the old-school and modern training methods. Gable came from a collegiate gymnastics background, which gave him a unique advantage in bodybuilding due to his remarkable strength, balance, and endurance. His rigorous training allowed him to keep pace with, and sometimes even out-train, Arnold. In just a short time, Gable transformed his physique, bulking from 190 pounds to 210 pounds while training with Arnold and Robby Robinson from 1973 to 1975.
In 1975, Gable entered and won the IFBB Western America competition. However, despite winning the Tall class, the Most Muscular award, and Best Poser, he lost the IFBB Mr. USA title to Danny Padilla. Disappointed by a lack of recognition and unpaid work related to the “Pumping Iron” film, Gable decided to leave bodybuilding that same year. His training approach, though, left an enduring impact on the bodybuilding community. He had an intense regimen that included training each body part three times per week with a strict pattern: five sets per exercise, where the first set was 20 reps, followed by four sets of 8-10 reps, with minimal rest between sets (usually 60-90 seconds).
One of the standout aspects of Gable’s training was his daily focus on cardiovascular and abdominal exercises, especially side bends, which were a staple among bodybuilders of his era. Today, side bends are sometimes overlooked due to a belief that they “thicken the waist,” but figures like Gable proved this wasn’t necessarily the case. His training was comprehensive, including side bends, broomstick twists (seated and standing), incline sit-ups, and jogging, which, despite being unpopular with some bodybuilders, provided essential cardiovascular conditioning.
Gable’s regimen also emphasized other classic exercises that many modern routines often skip. For example, he regularly performed barbell pullovers and barbell French presses, favoring these over their dumbbell equivalents for greater stability and isolation. These exercises have fallen out of favor in recent years, yet they contribute to the impressive upper body mass and symmetry seen in many “Golden Age” bodybuilders.
The dedication of old-school bodybuilders like Denny Gable to foundational exercises serves as a reminder of the basics’ effectiveness. Their training techniques, which prioritized consistency, high-frequency workouts, and full-body conditioning, could explain why they often achieved lasting results. Today, there’s a renewed interest in revisiting these tried-and-true methods, proving that sometimes the key to progress lies in returning to the basics.Â
